INFECTIONS

Standard precautions are essential infection control practices that protect both healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of infectious diseases. Compliance with these precautions is particularly critical for nursing students, who are frequently exposed to clinical environments during their training. This study assessed the knowledge and compliance with standard precautions among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 249 undergraduate nursing students from 200 to 500 levels were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, and mean scores were used, and a chi-square test was employed to assess the relationship between knowledge and compliance levels. Out of 249 questionnaires distributed, 246 were valid for analysis, resulting in a response rate of 98.8%. Findings revealed that 70.7% of students demonstrated good knowledge of standard precautions, while 29.3% had poor knowledge. Regarding compliance, 77% exhibited high compliance, and 23% showed low compliance. The major barriers identified were lack of personal protective equipment (mean = 3.2), time pressure in clinical settings, insufficient supervision, and inadequate training. Hypothesis testing revealed no statistically significant relationship between knowledge and compliance (χ² = 2.703, p = 0.100). The study concluded that undergraduate nursing students generally possess good knowledge and demonstrate high compliance with standard precautions. However, knowledge alone does not guarantee compliance, as external factors such as resource availability and supervision play significant roles.It is recommended that continuous training programs, improved resource provision, and closer clinical supervision be instituted to enhance adherence to standard precautions among nursing students, thereby strengthening infection control practices within
healthcare settings.

This study investigates the level of awareness and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among university students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the level of awareness and understanding of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in Nigeria. It aims to identify the sources of students' information, assess their knowledge of transmission, symptoms, prevention, and consequences, and explore the factors that influence their perceptions and behaviors regarding sexual health. The study is driven by the need to address gaps in sexual health education on campuses and to inform strategies for effective intervention. The research employs a descriptive survey design, utilizing self administered questionnaires to collect data from a representative sample of undergraduate students across various faculties and levels of study at the university. The questionnaire captures demographic information, knowledge about STIs, sources of information, and risky behaviors. The data is analyzed statistically to evaluate the relationship between variables such as age, gender, and sources of information, providing a comprehensive understanding of students’ sexual health awareness. The findings highlight considerable gaps in STI knowledge among students, with many possessing misconceptions and limited understanding of transmission and prevention methods. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing comprehensive sexual health education programs tailored to students’ needs, utilizing trusted sources of information. Recommendations include integrating sexual health education into the university curriculum, increasing awareness campaigns through appropriate channels, and fostering an environment that encourages open discussions about sexual health to curb STI prevalence and promote responsible behaviors among students.